Best Practices for Using a Charity Fundraising Platform

To get the most out of these platforms, you need to use them effectively. Here are some tips to help you choose the right platform and run a successful campaign.

Choosing the Right Charity Fundraising Platform

The first step to a successful campaign is picking the right platform. Here’s what to look for:

• User-Friendliness: Make sure the platform is easy for both your team and donors to use.
• Customisation Options: Choose a platform that lets you personalise your campaign page to reflect your brand and message.
• Payment Processing: Check the platform’s fees and supported payment methods.
• Analytics and Reporting: Go for a platform that offers strong analytics to track your campaign’s success.
• Support and Resources: Consider the level of customer support and educational resources available.

For help finding the best platform, read our guide on the Top 5 options.

Setting Fundraising Goals

Clear and achievable goals are key to any fundraising campaign. Start with a strong mission statement that explains the purpose of your campaign and the impact you aim to achieve. Your goals should be:

• Specific: Define exactly what you want to accomplish.
• Measurable: Ensure you can track progress and measure success.
• Achievable: Set realistic goals that you can reach with your resources.
• Relevant: Align goals with your charity or non-profit’s’s mission and values.
• Time-bound: Set a clear deadline for achieving your goals.

For example, instead of aiming to “raise funds for a new project,” set a goal to “raise £50,000 by December 31st to build a new community centre.”

Creating a Compelling Campaign

A compelling campaign grabs the attention of potential donors. Here’s how to create one:

• Tell a Story: Use storytelling to show the impact of your cause. Share personal stories and testimonials from those who will benefit.
• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images and videos to make your campaign visually engaging.
• Clear Call to Action: Make it easy for donors to understand how they can contribute and what their donation will achieve.
• Transparency: Be clear about how you will use the funds and the difference they will make.

For more help, check out our Guide to Writing a Compelling Fundraising Appeal and our blog on The Power of Storytelling in Charity Fundraising.

Engaging Your Audience

Keeping your audience engaged is crucial for maintaining momentum throughout your campaign. Use social media and other channels to keep them informed and excited.

• Social Media Strategies: Post updates regularly, share stories, and use hashtags to increase visibility. Engage with your audience through comments and messages.
• Email Campaigns: Send personalised emails to your donor list. Update them on the campaign’s progress and thank them for their support.
• Events: Host virtual or in-person events to generate excitement and foster a sense of community around your cause.

Check out our expert tips in 5 Tips for Promoting Your Fundraising Campaign on Social Media.

Regular Updates and Communication

Keeping in touch with your audience is essential to keep them engaged and informed.

• Frequent Updates: Post regular updates on your campaign page and social media. Highlight milestones and celebrate progress.
• Transparency: Share detailed information about how you use the funds and the impact they are making.
• Engagement: Encourage feedback and interaction from your audience. Respond to comments and questions promptly.

Post-Campaign Strategies

After your campaign ends, it’s important to continue engaging with your donors and plan for future efforts.

• Thanking Donors: Show gratitude through personalised thank-you notes, emails, or public acknowledgments.
• Sharing Results: Report on the campaign’s outcomes and the impact of the funds raised. Use visuals and stories to illustrate the difference made.
• Planning Future Campaigns: Analyse the successes and challenges of your campaign to inform future efforts. Keep your audience engaged by updating them on ongoing projects and upcoming initiatives.

Fundraising Made Easy with GoodHub

Effective use of charity fundraising platforms can significantly enhance your organisation’s ability to raise funds and achieve its mission.

At GoodHub, we aim to provide you with a fundraising platform that redefines what it means to give. We’ve established a giving culture focused on genuine effect, driven by our vision, and we think that every act of generosity, no matter how little, has the capacity to create great change.

Register your charity on GoodHub today and start fundraising. Just hop onto the GoodHub platform or get in touch with one of our friendly support team members.